The paper introduces a formal archive for intercomparison of conventional regulatory dispersion models. It stems from an initial intercomparison, for the UK Environment Agency, of the USEPA's ISC and AERMOD models with the ADMS model, in common use in the UK. The objective is to compare the models directly with one another via standard test cases in order to reveal differences that may arise in regulatory modelling, rather than with field data as is used for model validation purposes. These latter data are too variable to provide accurate intercomparison between models. The archive contains all model input and output files, related reports and meteorological data so that any interested parties can continue intercomparison studies on this basis or with any other similar models. The archive is available, free, to interested parties by downloading it from the internet or on CD by request.

Related articles

Humans can be exposed to hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) either directly through inhalation or indirectly through ingestion or dermal contact, which can result in acute or chronic health effects. The risk of exposure varies depending on a number of variables, including the meteorological conditions, local geographical and emissions characteristics, the age of the individuals being exposed, and the exposure duration and frequency. To evaluate and quantify the potential health impacts that may result from specific...

TheBREEZE Remote Modeling System (BRMS)is a Web-enabled application that executes AERMOD model runs in a fraction of the time they take on a desktop computer, thereby assisting modelers in reducing model runtimes on large or highly time-sensitive AERMOD model runs. The BRMS operates on a massively parallel computer cluster that combines the processing power of multiple multi-core computers. As such, modelers can minimize model runtimes at a minimal cost using thehigh-speed parallel processing servicesoffered by...

Imported maps can be very helpful when setting up a model scenario and analyzing the results. They can be used as a QA/QC method for ensuring that model objects are in the correct locations and they can also help better visualize results graphically. Although a map file is not required,BREEZE AERMODandBREEZE 3D Analystmake it so easy to import maps that it will become a routine step in your model setup and analysis. Follow the steps below to import an image file using a reference point and known distance between...

The powerful post-processor, BREEZE 3D Analyst, enables you to analyze and visualize data in multiple formats to help you better understand, interpret, and summarize your modeling results. To best assist our users, a complimentary license of BREEZE 3D Analyst is included with the purchase of BREEZE AERMOD/ISC Pro or Pro Plus, BREEZE Incident Analyst, and BREEZE CALPUFF. For BREEZE AERMOD/ISC in particular, the Pro and Pro Plus editions differ by the amount of post-processing capabilities available in 3D Analyst....

Although the advanced physics in U.S. EPA’s AERMOD more accurately represent dispersion of pollutants in the atmosphere, it comes with the disadvantage of greatly increased model run times. Even for a comparatively small project containing a few thousand receptors and a dozen sources, the runtimes can last longer than an hour. This makes the scenario where dozens of runs need to submitted for the purpose of model refinements (e.g., testing the impact of a stack height change very cumbersome. On the other...

Customer comments

No comments were found for A dispersion model intercomparison archive. Be the first to comment!